From First Call to First Session: How the process works at Aspire Counseling

 Taking the first step toward counseling can feel scary. When you call Aspire Counseling, you might not be sure what you can expect with therapy at all. You may have looked at our website. You may have read therapist bios. You may be wondering, “Is this person really trained?” or “Will they understand me? You may be wondering if therapy is even the right next step for you? 

When you call, I’m the one who answers. I have been helping people find their therapist for a couple of years, and my goal is to find you the best fit possible! We talk about what our therapists are trained in, and what that can help you with. We also talk about who our therapists are because it can be helpful to hear how they work with clients, and what their personality is like. I’ve talked with many people who feel nervous, hopeful, or unsure. My goal is to make the process simple and clear. But I recognize that the phone call can be a super scary step to make, so here is exactly what to expect from a phone call to your free thirty minute consultation! 

What happens when I call to schedule therapy? 

The first thing that happens when you give us a call is you will be directed to chat with a person on our client care team! This is a very low stakes way for you to share as much or as little about your specific story. The client care team will ask you what feelings you are experiencing, or what you are wanting to work on so we can match who will be the best fit for your specific needs! Then you will share as much or as little as you want to share, but the more you share the more helpful it may be. 

Many people feel nervous about making that first call. That’s completely normal. You do not need to have the “right” words or tell your whole life story. You can simply say, “I’ve been feeling anxious,” or “I’m going through a hard time.” We will guide the conversation with simple questions to help you feel at ease. Our goal is not to judge you. It’s to listen, support you, and help you find a therapist who feels like a good fit. 

How do I know if my therapist is a good fit for me? 

You know your therapist is a good fit for you if you feel comfortable sharing your story with them. They are not a good fit if they make you feel on edge or push you to share way more than you are comfortable with right away. With that said, there is a difference between pushing a person to challenge their own thoughts and pushing a person beyond their comfort zone. You need to find what you are comfortable with and make sure that is communicated to your therapist at the free consult so you can go at at your own pace!

It’s okay if you are not sure right away how you feel about a therapist. Sometimes it takes a session or two to know. A good therapist will respect your pace and check in with you along the way. For example, they might say, “Is this okay to talk about today?” or “Do you want to slow down?” You should feel heard and respected. Therapy works best when you feel safe enough to be honest, even if that honesty comes a little at a time. 

Is it normal to feel nervous before your counseling appoitnment? 

Absolutely! Growth comes when we step outside of our comfort zone. You will be challenged in therapy, and you may be sharing your story for the very first time. It is important to acknowledge how brave that is. But with that being said that bravery can exist with anxiety or nervousness as well. You can absolutely bring all of these up to your therapist, and they will help you process exactly what your plan in therapy will be! 

What should I do to prepare for my first therapy appointment? 

Come to therapy in an outfit that you feel comfortable in, your therapy is about you, so there is no “dress code” or way you should show up. All our therapists at Aspire will want you to come exactly as you are! Do come prepared with some questions to ask your therapist, sometimes these can be helpful to write down throughout the week! 

We want to make therapy as easy and stress free as possible! That is why the client care team is so dedicated to making sure you feel 100% comfortable before you feel locked into therapy with us. We take the time to slow down, and explain the steps, as many times as you need. And we are always a phone call or email away for you, for the rest of your therapy journey at Aspire Counseling! 

Ready to Begin Counseling?

If your’e ready to take the next step, start by scheduling to a time to chat with a member of our client care team. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for, answer your questions and figure out which therapist will be a good fit for you! Then, we’ll schedule a time for you to talk direclty to that therapist.

Starting therapy sometimes feels a little intimidating. We do everything we can to make that process as easy as possible for you.

About the Author 

Hi, my name is Samara Allison, I am part of the Client Care Team here at Aspire Counseling. When you call our office, I’m usually the one who answers. I’ve been in this role for the past few years, and I’ve had the honor of talking with many people as they take their first step toward therapy. 

I know that making that first call can feel scary, uncertain, or even awkward. My goal is to make the process feel simple and low pressure. I help match clients with therapists who are fully trained, competent, and a good fit for what they’re going through. I care deeply about helping you feel heard from the very first conversation. 

I am currently in school studying psychology, and my future goal is to become a therapist just like the therapists you are going to schedule a free consultation with!